The Joint Action Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (JACCSON) has given a Recognition Award for hard work and administrative excellence to Commodore Duja Manuel Effedua (Rtd), Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron Akwa Ibom State.
He was bestowed the “Joint Action Coalition of Civil Societies Organisations in Nigeria 2020/2021 ICON of Greater Nigeria/Rector of the Year Award.”
In his remarks and explaining the criteria considered for a recipient to earn the award, the National Coordinator of JACCSON, Mr. Ikpa Isaac, said Effedua’s administration of the Academy in the last four years has re-engineered the face of the institution with proof of the quality so desired.
He said that the process for choosing the awardee was concluded during the Organisation’s mid-year appraisal conference held at Statement Hotel, Abuja, on 11th June, 2021, where nominations were made based on meeting well-analysed criteria.
He also disclosed that the choice of the societies to recognise and honour outstanding performances in medical and education institutions was borne out of the resilience shown in continuation of service even in the disruption caused by the outbreak of the Covid19.
His words: “this year’s event decided to cover the medical and education theme because the previous year and now has been challenging for health and education sectors, putting them on the spotlight.
“You will agree with me that the coordination and conquering of the challenges that Covid19 threw at us as a nation is worth appraisals and recognition.”
Isaac extolled the Rector for giving meaning to performance in evidential projects to give the best of a learning facility in the training of cadets.
He said: “This is a well-deserved award based on the performances of this noble education institution under the leadership of Commodore Duja Emmanuel Effedua(Rtd.)
“This institution has distinguished itself in terms of development under this Rector in the past four years in its social responsibility, which has brought about peace with the host community.
“The Academy has been remarkable in infrastructural development, scholarship, capacity building programmes, state-of-the-art ICT laboratories, lecture theatres, the best hostel accommodation that students can be given, and a recreated environment that greatly supports learning.
“Great consideration has also been given to improving staff welfare, which has increased friendliness and productivity.”
The coordinator lauded Effedua for fighting corruption by blocking leakages, describing it as a key administrative excellence that helped engendered the development that is seen in the Academy now.
He urged the Rector to continue in his commitment in order to sustain the good work and also encourage others on the importance of performances that make real impacts.
In his acceptance of the Award, Effedua thanked the organization for recognising the excellence in his service, which is not an end in itself, but a foundation for nation-building through educating a crop of young men and women who would take up careers to manage very significant aspects of the nation’s economy.
He thanked the Honourable Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, for his vision and dedication to ensuring that the Management worked according to laid out plan for the Academy to become a global -standard rated institution for maritime education.
“The Honourable Minister wanted this Academy to have all what you are seeing today; world-class training facility including a very reputable Faculty. I am glad we have achieved that and it can only get better.
” But, as much as I am being recognised with this, I also want to appreciate members of my staff for working dedicatedly as well, to enable us achieve this, ” Effedua said.
It is worthy of mention that JACCSON is comprised of five Civil Societies Organisation in Nigeria; The Centre for Social Justice , Equity and Transparency; The Safe Humanity Advocacy Centre; The Global Integrity Crusade Network; Transparency Advocacy for Development Initiative , and Stand-Up Nigeria.
